Postcard mailing targets hit-run driver

The son of a Worcester man who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2010 is asking for the community's help in making sure the man, who served jail time for the crime, doesn't do it again.

David Quist, 50, of Worcester mailed close to 10,000 postcards and distributed fliers to every resident and business in Millbury and Sutton, where Arthur T. Scanlon, 54, who pleaded guilty to the charges, is staying since his release in July from the House of Correction.

The double-sided postcard, in the style of a “wanted” bulletin, reads in bold next to Mr. Scanlon's photograph: “Call 911 if you see this man driving.”

A “No alcohol allowed” emblem also appears.

The reverse side of the card outlines Mr. Scanlon's felony charges, his sentence and the terms of his probation. It advises people not to approach or disturb Mr. Scanlon if they see him drinking or driving, but to call the Worcester Superior Court probation office.

The postcards were delivered to the Shrewsbury postal distribution center on Monday and are expected to be delivered Wednesday.

Mr. Scanlon's lawyer, John M. Goggins, said, “We're not going to comment on the actions of Mr. Quist, but Mr. Scanlon remains deeply remorseful in this case.”

Mr. Scanlon could not be reached for a comment.

Mr. Scanlon, formerly of 271 Riverlin St., Millbury, is serving 10 years probation. He is not allowed to drive a motor vehicle of any kind, including construction or landscaping vehicles; he must remain free of substance abuse; and he must comply with any suspension mandated by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, according to Coria Holland, communications officer for the state commissioner of probation.

“Quite frankly, I just want Mr. Scanlon to stay on the right side of the law,” Mr. Quist said.

Mr. Quist said he learned Mr. Scanlon had a history of motor vehicle violations, including drunken driving charges, after his father, 72-year-old Robert H. Quist, died on April 26, 2010, from injuries suffered when the 2004 Lincoln Town Car he was driving was struck by a 2006 Ford commercial utility vehicle driven by Mr. Scanlon.

“He had 24 'defaults' written on his driving record,” Mr. Quist said. “The 25th incident is what killed my dad.”

Witnesses at the crash scene said Mr. Scanlon had run a red light at Burncoat Street and Dorothy Avenue when his truck collided with the elder Mr. Quist's car. They said Mr. Scanlon backed his truck up and drove off after the accident. He turned himself in 38 hours later, after investigators told his family they were looking for him, police said.

Mr. Scanlon was sentenced in May 2011 by a Worcester Superior Court judge to 2-1/2 years in the House of Correction, with 10 years probation to follow. He was given credit for the 392 days he had spent in custody in lieu of bail and was released after serving just over a year from the date of sentencing.

On Dec. 5, Mr. Scanlon, who had told authorities he would be living on Cape Cod after his release, returned to Worcester Superior Court for violating probation by failing to report to the Barnstable Superior Court Probation Department, where his probation had been transferred, according to Ms. Holland. Mr. Scanlon is said to be living with relatives in Millbury and Sutton.

Judge James R. Lemire stiffened the conditions of Mr. Scanlon's probation in December, emphasizing that he is not to drive any type of motor vehicle and, in addition to the GPS monitor, he must also use a Sobrietor, which remotely checks his blood alcohol content. The probation is in effect until July 13, 2022.

Mr. Quist said he embarked on his postcard campaign, which he estimates cost him $4,000, because, “in my opinion, nothing is going to stop him (Mr. Scanlon) from doing it again. If I can get 10,000 extra sets of eyes on him, it lets the court be assisted by a good Samaritan turning him in (if he violates probation).”

He said he “did his due diligence” to make sure he wasn't defaming Mr. Scanlon or violating his civil rights by sending the postcards. The postcard includes Mr. Quist's name, phone number and email address.

Sutton Police Lt. David J. Perry said police were aware of what Mr. Quist was doing and saw nothing illegal or wrong about it.

“Our only response to people is not to harass or intimidate him (Mr. Scanlon) in any way,” Lt. Perry said.Millbury's acting police chief, Sgt. Donald Desorcy, said Mr. Quist had come in a few weeks ago and showed the department what he was doing.

“I have to say it was rather unusual,” acting Chief Desorcy said. “In my 33 years, that was the first time I've seen anything like that go out.”

Mr. Quist said he also dropped off fliers at several restaurants, bars and convenience stores in Millbury and got a good response from business owners.

“I used to say my father always found the good in people,” Mr. Quist said, adding that he would have found some good in Mr. Scanlon, too, despite what happened.

“He (Mr. Scanlon) probably only killed one of his only advocates in life.”

Mr. Quist said his next step is to work to change sentencing guidelines on a charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Contact Susan Spencer by email at susan.spencer@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanSpencerTG.